DA seeks answers to missing millions from Gauteng Social Development

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to the Gauteng
Social Development MEC, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, seeking answers from her on the
department’s missing millions.

DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Social Development, Refiloe Nt’sekhe said provincial officials, who
knowingly used “conduits” to bypass the departmental internal systems and
transfer tens of millions of rands out of government coffers via NGOs to
unregistered organisations, have still not been brought to book.

"The public
has a right to know where the process was with regards to the ongoing
investigations. When does it conclude, and when and how would the diverted
millions be recovered," said Nt’sekhe.

Nt’sekhe said according to the
department’s 2016/17 Annual Report, tabled in the Legislature, only two
investigations are ongoing. Despite the fact that these conduit payments and
transfers to NGOs are against the Public Finance Management Act, the department
still received a clean audit.

MEC Mayathula-Khoza has a
duty to report to the public and NGOs in order to provide clarity.

Gauteng’s most vulnerable, young, old and disabled residents
deserve the truth.

“It is a shame that money
meant for registered NGOs to enable them to deliver much-needed care and
services to vulnerable groups in the province is lining the pockets of the
greedy and the corrupt".

"We hope that this matter can
be resolved speedily and that the web of officials involved are all identified
and prosecuted," said Nt’sekhe.

Nt’sekhe said stealing from the poor to
feed the rich and corrupted is a grave shame. MEC Mayathula-Koza would do well
to come out of hiding from her office and push for faster resolutions on this
matter.

However, Gauteng Social Development
spokesperson, Mbangwa Xaba said "We are aware of the
allegations, we reported the matter of conduits to the court first before
anyone. This is just a politically motivated subject."